Sarasota woman dies in Venice boat crash

Published: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 1:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.

VENICE - A 41-year-old Sarasota woman died after injuries sustained in a boat crash in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Alicia Starkweather was killed after the 17-foot Bayliner boat in which she was a passenger with helmsman John Antolak, 37, crashed into a rock embankment Sunday evening across from Venice High School.

The Venice police marine patrol arrived at the scene about 7 p.m. to find Antolak in the water, supporting Starkweather, who was unconscious, according to a city news release.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is investigating the crash, Antolak told officers that he hit a manatee and lost control of the boat before crashing. Starkweather was thrown from the boat into the rocks.

Officers smelled alcohol on Antolak's breath, according to the commission, and administered a blood-alcohol test. Authorities refused to release the test result. Antolak has not been charged with a crime.

Starkweather was transported by helicopter to Blake Trauma Center in Manatee County, but died shortly thereafter.

Terry Morris with the commission said fatal boat accidents are rare but heartbreaking.

“This must be a trying time for the family,” Morris said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

The Venice Police Department is investigating the crash along with the commission.

<p><em>VENICE</em> - A 41-year-old Sarasota woman died after injuries sustained in a boat crash in the Intracoastal Waterway. </p><p>Alicia Starkweather was killed after the 17-foot Bayliner boat in which she was a passenger with helmsman John Antolak, 37, crashed into a rock embankment Sunday evening across from Venice High School.</p><p>The Venice police marine patrol arrived at the scene about 7 p.m. to find Antolak in the water, supporting Starkweather, who was unconscious, according to a city news release.</p><p>According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is investigating the crash, Antolak told officers that he hit a manatee and lost control of the boat before crashing. Starkweather was thrown from the boat into the rocks.</p><p>Officers smelled alcohol on Antolak's breath, according to the commission, and administered a blood-alcohol test. Authorities refused to release the test result. Antolak has not been charged with a crime.</p><p>Starkweather was transported by helicopter to Blake Trauma Center in Manatee County, but died shortly thereafter.</p><p>Terry Morris with the commission said fatal boat accidents are rare but heartbreaking.</p><p>“This must be a trying time for the family,” Morris said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”</p><p>The Venice Police Department is investigating the crash along with the commission.</p>